Several have been praying for the Manitoulin trip which ended last Saturday. While many of you received the updates thru out the week, if you were part of the Manitoulin or missions prayer team, we thought everyone would like to read the final update by Nate Conner:
"While not a surprise, my week ended up getting MUCH busier during the second half, leaving little time for anything other than ministry and sleep. Now that I have had some time to rest up, please see the update below covering Thursday and Friday. I have tried to keep it concise, but I promise each praise shared is worth reading and rejoicing over!
THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025
Thursday is one of my favorite days of the trip. While both the Rooted In Christ and the Survivor groups continue on in their activities, Club takes a break from their regularly scheduled programming. On this day, instead of separating the kids into Games and Art time, we provide them a lunch of walking tacos (always a hit!) and gather them into small groups. During this time, one or two of our team members walks through the Gospel with them. Using tracts, visuals, personal stories, and as always, God's Word, the saving truths of God's plan are shared at a child's level. At times it can feel like we can't get the kids to sit down for five minutes, however, God sent a peace into the hearts of the majority allowing for a very rich time.
Thursday saw the last dinner for our Rooted In Christ ladies. After dinner and an art project, they went through their final devotional study. These devotionals have been separate from the morning teaching time. Throughout the week, these ladies have been learning to study God's Word on their own in order to provide them hope and truth in the absence of our team. Each lady present throughout these dinners was provided with their own copy of the devotional book to take home and continue studying.
Survivor had a FULL afternoon! The group started with a hike up Blueberry Mountain, a visit to White Fish Falls, before finally arriving at their main event. At this point we found out that contrary to our thoughts, if all of our friends jumped off a bridge, we would too! All Survivor participants and quite a few of our Survivor volunteers took the plunge!
FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2025
Friday always seems to go by in a blur! Each group had their own wrap up activities before packing up to travel home.
The Rooted In Christ Team completed their study, finished their final craft, and were able to have a sweet time of fellowship with the Wiky women. Throughout the course of the week, around 20 women (and one man) were presented with the Gospel and other truths from God's Word. He truly blessed their time together and we believe that the things they are left with will continue to pull at their hearts.
Day Club wrapped up their week with a story of reconciliation and a plan for God to repair the broken circle of fellowship. Parents were invited for a special program in which the kids were able to show off some of the songs and motions they learned, and again the Gospel was shared. Each child left with a postcard containing the week's Bible Verses, a picture of the team, and a special hand written note from a team member.
Survivor spent their last day at the beach before having dinner and wrapping up. One last message was shared encouraging them to make a decision for Christ. Leaders spent time writing encouraging notes to send them off with. The evening closed with a fireworks display over the bay before sharing goodbyes.
The rest of Friday afternoon and evening was filled with tear down, clean up, packing, and loading. With our final trailer being loaded up by a faithful 4 individuals at 2:15 AM Saturday, the crew was ready to go first thing in the morning.
ANSWERED PRAYERS & FINAL THOUGHTS
1. PRAISE GOD - Our friends Ta, Ha, and Ro all returned on Thursday. Our team was prepared for them and were able to minister to their needs. In the midst of the busyness, Ro was able to hear the entire Gospel, start to finish. Pray that God continues to call her heart to Him!
2. The women have been hungry for the Word of God and we are thankful that many got to hear. However, we noticed an increase of men spending time around each of our ministries, watching and listening. As we move forward with our long-term goals, please be in prayer about how we can begin ministering to men directly, hopefully even next year!
3. Overall, our team had to deal with a lot emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Please pray for rest and recuperation.
This year, more than others, we saw the effects of a community without Christ. Many of the individuals we ministered had experienced trauma from loss, abuse, or neglect. Many lacked food, shelter, or security of any kind. While it was a blessing to have their needs met by our team, it just deepens the need for a healthy church in Wikwemikong. My thoughts already go to what they are experiencing today now that our team has returned home. It is a devastating feeling to leave knowing there is no place to direct them for follow up. Yet, in all things, there is hope in Jesus Christ. We have confidence in His plan to have a people of every tribe, every nation, and every tongue. As a church, let us commit our desires to prayer, relying on God to work, and continuing to take steps of faithful obedience."